While Disney theme parks in the United States are currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Disney employees, called Imagineers, are hard at work thinking up new ways to make the magic better than ever in the not-so-distant future.

In an official announcement, Disney Imagineers describe a complete reimagining of the popular ride Splash Mountain. The ride at both the Disneyland park in California and the Magic Kingdom park in Florida is going to undergo a complete transformation. Disney will be doing away with the controversial “Song of the South” theme and updating it (or “plussing” it, as Walt Disney used to call it) to a “Princess and the Frog” theme.

Michael Ramirez, the Public Relations Director at Disneyland Resort, wrote, “We pick up this story after the final kiss, and join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.”

Ramirez believes the “Princess and the Frog” theme is especially fitting since the movie is set in New Orleans. He wrote, “In 1966, Walt himself opened New Orleans Square when it became the first new ‘land’ added to Disneyland park, so it feels natural to link the story and the incredible music of ‘The Princess and the Frog’ to our parks.”

Anika Noni Rose, a Tony-Award Winning actress and the voice of Princess Tiana is especially excited about the update to the ride.

“It is really exciting to know that Princess Tiana’s presence in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will finally be fully realized! As passionate as I am about what we created, I know the fans are going to be over the moon. The Imagineers are giving us ‘The Princess and the Frog’ Mardi Gras celebration we’ve been waiting for, and I’m here for it!”

Imagineers are currently hard at work developing the ride, but there is no word yet when the transformation will begin or be completed.

Are you excited for this update to Splash Mountain?